Three bedroom, two baths in an magical, unique and luxurious setting, with easy access to the City and Country.
The space
Covid Note: We are open with strict, approved safety protocols. We urge guests to buy travel insurance and pay close attention to our cancellation policies. All rentals are subject to continuing approval by Marin County.
We will update you promptly if there are any changes to our situation.
For the months of august and September we are offering 50% discounts to families whose homes have been destroyed or damaged by fire. We are offering a 25% discount to those seeking relief from the smoke, living in the vicinity of the fires.
Chris and Izzi and Nate.
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One of the world's most spectacular homes is now available as a vacation rental. This is the American equivalent of renting a castle in Spain or an ancient stone villa in Tuscany. Yet with the luxury and conveniences of a five star hotel.
The SS City of Seattle (Yellow Ferry) was originally launched in 1888. She is the oldest surviving ferryboat on the West Coast. The Ferry combines luxury and convenience in a spectacular and memorable setting. Surrounded by open water, she is simply the best houseboat in the best berth. Suitable for couples, or families, the Yellow Ferry offers the vacation experience of a lifetime.
The rental suite on the Yellow Ferry is over 2,500 square feet. One enters the Ferry into an open great room that is over 1,000 square ft, but divided into separate areas for dining and lounging. Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows looking out to the bay, the main room is both spacious and intimate. The original deck consists of three-inch thick, virgin Douglas Fir, inlaid with Teak. You will quickly find there is a timeless and soothing quality to being surrounded by 120 year old wooden timbers and beams.
Off the living room is huge solarium, surrounded by glass doors. Here you can sit or dine feeling like you are perched over the water, looking at panoramic views of the Bay, the sailboats and Mt. Tamalpais. The solarium is connected the living room via four large sliding doors, which can be opened all the way to make it an extension of the living room.
The carpeted master bedroom features a new, California King bed. Water level views allow you a birds eye connection with the egrets, mallards and harbor seals. Large walk-in closets add to the feeling of luxury. The expansive master bathroom also has bay views and and a tub and walk-in shower.
Down below, the other two bedrooms also have views right above waterline, where seals and waterfowl can swim up and eyeball you.
The kitchen has been remodeled with a an extraordinary Wolf six-burner range, with a gas grill and huge oven. The set up is perfect for gourmet meals or reheating your leftovers from one of the many excellent local restaurants. The kitchen is abundantly stocked with all the necessary pots, pans, utensils and appliances. There is a full table setting for 10 and uncharacteristically for a rental, all the knives have been freshly sharpened.
The float containing all watercraft is right off the back deck, providing easy access to the three kayaks and three stand-up paddle boards.
The Ferry is conveniently located between the natural beauty of the northern coast and the cosmopolitan charms of San Francisco. You can attend almost any event in the City and be home at the Ferry before you would find a parking place in San Francisco. A small library adjacent to the kitchen is stocked with and iPad and with books and tip and local attractions. The Ferry has high speed wireless. For water activities, the home is also supplied with a rowboat, two kayaks and two stand-up paddle boards. Surfboards, boogie boards and fins are also available.
There are an infinite variety of diversions to be found within a 30-minute drive of the boat. But often the best thing to do is simply sit by the bay with a good book, occasionally looking up to see the harbor seals or migrating waterfowl.
The Ferry is owned by the same couple who own the harbor. We live on the Ferry as well, in a completely separate unit with its own entrance and can be there to assist with any of your questions.
Please be aware that when then you stay on a houseboat, you are a guest in a close-knit community of fellow house boaters. These homeowners have chosen to live on the water because of a shared love of nature and a considerate community. It is essential that you respect the community rights to peace and privacy and conduct your residency the same, as you would expect from a next-door neighbor.
One other caveat. The ferry is reserved for registered guests and overnight usage. We regret it is not available as an event space for weddings or other large gatherings.
